Hercules STAFF3

We are very proud to announce that ourHercules DJControl Inpulse 300 received an Innovation Award Honoree yesterday during the CES Unveiled New York media conference. The DJControl Inpulse 300 combines DJ mixing software (DJUCED®) and an innovative DJ controller with built-in light guides to help aspiring DJs learn how to perfect the art of manual beat-matching and choose the right songs for a seamless music mix.

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Hercules STAFF3

Hercules is driven by its passion for music and its desire to bring DJing to the masses, now more than ever before, and is proud to announce its new range of DJControl Inpulse controllers and the new and improved version of its DJ software, DJUCED®. Specially designed to introduce and teach the art of DJing, Hercules' promise is clear: a new and innovative solution that will simplify the beginner's journey and allow him/her to easily acquire and master DJ skills.

For this launch, Hercules teamed up with emerging artist Stupead and his musical creations:

DJing for allThe mood is set. Hercules is adding a new dimension to learning how to become a DJ by focusing on the importance of training one's ear. The first technique that all professional or aspiring DJs must have mastered is beatmatching. The most important rule of mixing is to match the tempo of two tracks so that they can be played in a seamless sequence without breaking the rhythm. That's why Hercules has developed a unique range of two controllers: the HERCULES DJCONTROL INPULSE 200 and the HERCULES DJCONTROL INPULSE 300 which are equipped with a "beatmatch guide". If it is enabled, the help arrows along the tempo fader and below the jog wheel will light up to guide the budding young DJ through the right steps to take. Step 1: Activate beatmatch guide Step 2: Follow the arrow on the tempo (pitch) fader to adjust the tempo Step 3: Follow the arrow below the jog-wheel to align the beat on the beat of the other track

This valuable aid for getting started in DJing is powered by DJUCED® DJ software, which also includes interactive help and video tutorials from the Hercules DJ Academy to teach you the basics of DJing and improve your skills. It provides direct and intuitive access without ever exiting the software. Convenience guaranteed.

Please note that DJUCED® 40° has been renamed DJUCED®, effective from September 27, 2018. The new version of DJUCED® features a more intuitive and comprehensive interface, with an easy-to-use and smoother workflow for beginners and advanced users alike. All controllers that previously ran on DJUCED® 18° will continue to work, but the DJUCED® team recommends that you download the new version of DJUCED® in order to take advantage of the new update. All controllers will now work with DJUCED®. For more information: Djuced.com.

The perfect mixThe second key advantage of the new DJ Hercules solutions is the Intelligent Music Assistant (IMA) that was developed by the R&D team. IMA makes it easy for all DJs to decide on the best song to play, whether they are learning or performing:

The "TRENDING SONGS" feature available exclusively from DJUCED® uses the software's artificial intelligence to reveal tomorrow's hottest songs to help you prepare your new playlists and make sure you mix what's "in".

ASSISTANT: suggests the best songs from your computer audio library.

ENERGY: allows you to select the perfect atmosphere for the party and infuse it with the kind of energy you want. The energy level is displayed in a color going from blue (a cooler atmosphere) to red (a warm and very danceable atmosphere), which can set the desired mood at any point in the evening.

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 300The flagship of the new range that includes all the new features described is the DJControl Inpulse 300, the largest controller ever designed by Hercules. It allows you to easily and quickly learn the right moves in order to mix with confidence and ensure a real performance. It’s got everything you need to become a DJ:

The DJControl Inpulse 200 is a more compact version than its big brother, with a user-friendly and comfortable layout that makes it the perfect controller for those who are new to DJing.

Jog wheel: touch-sensitive for scratch mode

4 pads: 4 modes (Hot Cue, Roll, FX, Sampler)

Loop in/Loop out buttons

Tempo/Pitch fader

Gain knobs, 2-band equalization knobs and filter knob

Volume fader and cross fader

Master output for speakers and headphone output

A comprehensive ecosystem to get you started When it comes to mixing, it's important to have the right equipment, even for beginners. That's why Hercules has introduced a new range of active monitoring speakers with the Hercules DJMonitor 32 and Hercules DJMonitor 42. They are powerful, and ensure a near studio experience so that everyone can get off to a good start and enjoy mixing, whether in their bedroom or at their first events.

Hercules STAFF3

September 6, 2018, Berlin – Native Instruments today announces a new version of its flagship DJ software, TRAKTOR PRO 3. The announcement sees TRAKTOR build on almost two decades of club heritage to extend the possibilities of DJ performance and provide performers of all genres and abilities with the tools they need to define their own style.

TRAKTOR PRO 3, the full version of which is included with both new hardware releases, is the most stable version of the software yet, and uses the new Elastique 3 time-stretching engine for noticeable audio improvements. The user interface has been redesigned with a sharper and flatter look for better readability in club environments, while the intuitive workflow, to which many performers have become accustomed, remains intact.

Several brand-new features have also been added: TRAKTOR PRO 3 now includes Mixer FX – one-knob effect and filter controls that can be assigned to each channel independently and used for big buildups and transitions. And DJs using an external mixer can now route unprocessed audio directly from TRAKTOR, thanks to a new mode that bypasses the software’s internal mixer. A full feature set will be announced on September 25.

Pricing & availability

Traktor Pro 3 will be available on October 18th 2018, for a price of €/US$ 99.

Hercules STAFF3

SONAR relaunches as ‘Cakewalk by BandLab’: Iconic DAW now free to download for everyone

World-leading DAW SONAR, with the entire SONAR Platinum feature set, is relaunching as Cakewalk by BandLab

Full authentication and unlimited feature-access will be available free

Early access to Cakewalk by BandLab is available now on Windows

SINGAPORE, 4 APRIL 2018 — Today, BandLab Technologies launched early access to ‘Cakewalk by BandLab’ – replacing SONAR, the iconic DAW developed by Cakewalk Inc. This highly anticipated product release follows BandLab Technologies’ announcement just last month that it had acquired all of Cakewalk’s IP and certain assets from Gibson Brands.

The new successor to the legendary DAW is available to download for free now at https://cakewalk.bandlab.com. The revived DAW includes all core premium features of SONAR Platinum such as the award-winning Skylight user interface, flexible ProChannel modules, and powerful end-to-end 64-bit mix engine.

CEO of BandLab Technologies, Meng Ru Kuok said, “We are excited to be able to continue development of SONAR in its new guise as Cakewalk by BandLab and have an aggressive feature development roadmap ahead. We are making the software completely free to use to ensure that anyone, regardless of their resources, technology or stage in their career, can have access to the highest level of professional music production tools. This is part of our ongoing effort to empower musicians to make and share their music around the world. Professional products like Cakewalk are essential to those who make their living in music production and the natural next step for musicians who use platforms like BandLab to simplify their creative and collaborative process. We are very excited by the potential of Cakewalk by BandLab and think that many creators will benefit from access to a professional DAW with a long history of empowering music makers.”

Cakewalk by BandLab will continue SONAR’s track record of world-leading innovation for creatives using Microsoft Windows. Pete Brown, from Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, said “We’re thrilled that Cakewalk has found a new home with a company that understands the musician community, and that cares sincerely about digital audio production. Cakewalk has been a great partner, working to make their DAW better for their customers by quickly adopting new Windows features like pen, Bluetooth MIDI, multi-touch, Dial, and more. We look forward to working closely with BandLab to continue this innovation.” Cakewalk by BandLab will support pen, touch and Surface Dial throughout the user interface.

Cakewalk by BandLab is a streamlined version of SONAR Platinum – and certain third party products and content bundles will no longer be included. Existing users who have already purchased bundles or individual third party products and plug-ins can still use those products with Cakewalk by BandLab.

The new installation of Cakewalk by BandLab via BandLab Assistant will not affect previous installations of SONAR.

All users can download Cakewalk by BandLab and access the full feature set for free, without access limitations.

Any bundled or independently purchased plug-ins or add-ons that worked with SONAR will integrate with Cakewalk by BandLab.

BandLab Technologies is a collective of global music brands with a vision to connect the world of music.

Together, our brands share a passion. We’re driven by integrating the physical, digital and social supply chain, to enable better experiences, opportunities, and connections for all music lovers.

BandLab, the group’s flagship digital product, is a social music platform that enables creators to make music and share the creative process with other musicians and fans. Other notable brands within the portfolio include Rolling Stone, the world’s leading voice in pop culture and music since 1967, MONO, an award-winning music lifestyle product company, and Swee Lee, Asia’s leading online retailer and distributor of musical instruments and pro-audio brands.

Established in 2016, BandLab Technologies is headquartered in Singapore. For more information about BandLab by Cakewalk, visit https://cakewalk.bandlab.com.

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Hercules STAFF3

In a game-changing collaboration, Tesla Motors and Serato have come together to bring you the world's first ever DJ-Drive system. No more cassettes, CDs, aux cords and broken Bluetooth interfaces. Just bangers mixed in the comfort of your car.

The release of the latest Tesla firmware update includes full Serato DJ Pro integration, free for all Tesla vehicles. This integration allows you to DJ literally anywhere you go. Your only restriction is your creativity.

As well as Serato DJ Pro utilising the fully functional Tesla touch-screen, drivers are now able to attach ergonomic Novation-slicers to the steering-wheel to trigger cue points, loops and flip tracks - full control on the go. Use Autopilot or switch to Scratch Live mode to DJ and drive at the same time.

Not stopping there, the engineers at Tesla and Serato have integrated Serato Video into the mix. Video file playback is controlled the same way as audio, so incorporating visual effects and transitions is super simple. Karaoke mode is built in, taking singing in the car to the next level.

You can now look forward to sitting in gridlock and perfectly mixing the latest Ibiza hits. Or cruising in comfort through picturesque landscapes while double dropping the heaviest, face-melting bangers in your arsenal.

Ludacris mode has had some upgrades too. You’ll need to turn it on to hear them...if you dare.

And as you guessed, this is April Fool's day annoucement.

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Hercules STAFF3

Ableton Live 10 is released today.Ableton Live is a major DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software in Windows and macOS for producers, composers and disc-jockeys.Hercules P32 DJ can control Ableton Live with the scriptKuala from Remotify.

Here is Ableton Live press release.

Ableton Live 10 is hereBerlin, Germany, February 6th, 2018

Ableton Live 10 is now available at Ableton.com and at local retailers worldwide.

The new Live delivers four bold new devices, workflow refinements and a re-designed sound library. Live 10 also brings new functionality and high-res visualizations to Push. Plus, Max technology is now fully integrated into Live 10 Suite for faster, more stable performance.

Some of the new features in Live 10 include:

New instruments and effects• Wavetable is Ableton’s latest synth—immediately playable with a vast sonic palette.• Echo produces delay sounds from classic textures to soundscapes, wailing feedback and experimental atmospheres.• Drum Buss is a one-stop workstation for drums, capable of adding subtle character or completely bending and breaking drums.• Pedal brings the character of analog stomp boxes to Live with separate circuit-level models of overdrive, distortion and fuzz guitar pedals.

Workflow improvements• Capture recalls an idea after it has been played and turns it into a MIDI clip with groove and feel intact.• Multiple MIDI clip editing allows users to see the content of two or more clips in one detail view.• Groups within groups allow for greater flexibility when mixing and improves Set organization even with lots of tracks and a detailed arrangement.• A multitude of refinements including improvements to Arrangement View workflows, Browser Collections, I/O renaming, note chasing, and much more.

New library of sound• Curated Collections capture the musical threads that tie together evolving styles and scenes• Four all-new Essential Instruments include synths, and multi-sampled electric keys and drums• Live 10’s Core Library gets a sonic upgrade with richer, more detailed sounds

Improvements to Push• A new step sequencing layout allows simultaneous note sequencing and real time playing.• MIDI note view allows navigation and refinement of the notes in a pattern in context directly on the Push display.• Richer visualization with more feedback of key Live devices including Wavetable, Echo, EQ Eight and Compressor• Workflow improvements to layouts, building and extending patterns, track arming and more

Max for Live• Deeper integration with Live 10 Suite means devices now load faster, use less CPU and feel more like Live’s native devices.• Sonically upgraded Drum Synths, improved modulation and mapping Devices and more• Multi-channel audio routing means mixing using multi-channel speaker setups is now possible• Max for Live devices can send and receive SysEx, allowing deeper access to external gear

About AbletonAbleton makes products for music makers to create, produce and perform music. These include Live, a software that combines traditional studio technologies with the freedom of working without a timeline; Push, a hardware instrument for handson playing and composing with Live; and Link, a technology that allows multiple devices to play in time together over a wireless connection. Ableton was founded in 1999 by musicians in need of new creative tools. The first version of Live was released in 2001. The company is led by its founders from its headquarters in Berlin, and has additional offices in Los Angeles and Tokyo. About 300 people work at Ableton across the world.

Hercules STAFF3

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we have to send this message. As of today, November 10th, 2017, Pulselocker is ceasing operations.

Six years ago we set out to provide a unique service to the DJ community—we believe we succeeded in providing something truly revolutionary that was well received by all of you. Due to a combination of market circumstances and financial constraints, we must re-organize our current structure if we are to successfully serve you in the future. After exhaustively searching for alternatives, we have made the extremely hard decision to shut down our operations.

We realize this news comes incredibly fast and we are truly sorry for the inconveniences this may cause. Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for the support you’ve shown Pulselocker and our deepest apologies for the speed and inconvenience of this announcement.

We will continue to search for ways to bring the service back to you in a bigger and better way. We are proud of the community that rallied behind our technology and thank you for your support and patronage.

Sincerely,

The Pulselocker Team

So Pulselocker streaming service is no longer active in Serato DJ or in VirtualDJ, since Pulselocker streaming service is closed.

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Hercules STAFF3

If you feel your computer in Windows is slow for DJing, you should check the following settings.

1) Switch off the Wifi, Bluetooth, and any other network connection on your computer before a DJ performance.Network connections consume CPU ressources and may cause crackles in the music.Letting the Wifi receiver switched on is the most dangerous setting for DJing on a computer, since each time the Wifi receiver of the computer detects another Wifi source, the CPU ressources of the computer will drop of 50%: if someone in the street has a smartphone with Wifi on, your computer detects this Wifi source, scans it, and this Wifi identification process takes up to 50% of the computer CPU ressources, possibly causing crackling.

2) Disable Windows preset made to save energy on the USB.This preset is set on by default, and it may cause crackling in the sound, and even disconnect the DJ controller on the computer.

Go to the tab "Power Management", and uncheck the box "Allow computer to turn off this device to save energy"

Click "OK" and close the dialog box

Repeat the same operation on each line called USB Root Hub or USB hub.

3) Close any background softwareReal time operations as Djing or video capture require to as much CPU ressources as possible, so you should close any other background software during a DJ performance.

4) If possible, move the mouse far from the USB port where you plug the DJ controllerIf the USB port of your mouse is close from the USB port of your DJ Controller, and if you have enough USB ports for it, you should plug the DJ Controller on a USB port far from the mouse USB port, as the click on your mouse may be heard in the audio played on your DJ controller if the USB port are close one from the other.

5) If you are in Windows 7 or in Windows Vista, avoid Aero graphic theme.Aero graphic themes are CPU intensive, so don't use an Aero graphic theme while doing any real-time task as music production or video capture, select a basic theme instead.

6) Adjust your computer power settings for the best performance- On Windows deskotp, right click on Computer > Properties > Advanced System settings- Click on "Settings" in the "Performance" area.- In "Visual Effects", click on "Adjust for best performance", and press "OK".

7) If you use a laptop, set your Power plan on "High performance".Press Windows + X keys to call Windows X Menu, and select Power Options.In Related settings, click on Additional Power Settings.

In "Choose or customize a power plan", select High performance.

8) Don't let any USB key connected on the computerYou can use USB keys to copy an audio track on or from your computer, but once it is over, unplug it from your computer. USB keys have a slow access time (even USB keys with a fast transfer rate have a slow access time), so if they are connected to the computer, they decrease significantly the computer performance even for task which don't use the USB keys.Never play an audio track directly from a USB key: if you uncompress an audio track on a USB key, the access time of the USB key is so slow that you complete computer because slow. If you want to play a track stored on a USB key, copy it on your hard disk prior to playing it.

9) Make sure your disk is not saturated, DJing requires a large available hard-drive space Windows needs hard drive space to be fast, and playing music requires a significant hard disk space.When loading audio tracks, the audio tracks are uncompressed in the software and need, either in the hard drive + in the RAM, the same space as if they were in an uncompressed WAV format, even if they are stored in a compressed format as MP3, AAC or WMA.Examples of hard drive + RAM needed to uncompress 2 tracks of 10 minutes

What’s new in DJUCED™ 40° 3.6 ?Here, in DJUCED labs, we constantly improve, test and play with our software.We teamed up with severals DJs and with YOU, the community, to improve the audio engine, the scratch feeling and the general latency of the software, especially with controllers.Better than good, the feeling is great.The integration of Qobuz adds fun to the experience with over 40 million titles to your connected parties.We hope you’ll enjoy this 3.6 version as much as we worked on it.

CPU OPTIMISATION – AUDIO ENGINE REWORKDJUCED 40 3.6 has been rebuilt from the inside.The 64-bit integration reduces the CPU consumption to avoid audio dropouts and latency.It works flawlessly, on Mac and PC.

MASTER PC SPEAKERSWant to use your laptop speakers and your controller preview at the same time ?It’s just one click in the settings.

INTEGRATION OF QOBUZ AUDIO STREAMING SERVICEMix any track from Qobuz catalogue as a normal track.Search from within DJUCED browser the song you need.Prepare your playlist with Qobuz App on your smartphone, and find it inside DJUCED browser.Just magic. (Qobuz service subscription required)

POST-FADER FXReverb and Delay effects are no longer cut off when using the volume fader.Instead, effects are applied after the volume fader: in this way, you can still hear the end of effects when a deck’s volume fader is brought down.Perfect for improving quick transitions.

SCRATCH ENGINE REWORKEDWe know that feeling is important.This is why we have remade our scratch engine, modelled from famous turntables and controllers, and tested by scratch DJs.All supported controllers have been re-calibrated.It changes everything.

MIDI CONTROL FASTER THAN EVERMIDI communications between DJUCED and the supported controllers is now really fast. (less than 2ms)Enjoy instant reaction when pushing a button, or instant LED return.